Sesame seeds are one of the most popular and well-used seeds in the world.
Sesame seeds are a healthy snack that you can enjoy anytime. They are packed full of nutrients, vitamins, and trace elements.
It is a very interesting food that you can add to your dishes, whether it’s cooked, baked, or blended. In this article, we’ll explain if sesame seeds go bad and how will you know if they’ve gone bad.
Yes, sesame seeds can go bad, and they can taste rancid.
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Do Sesame Seeds Go Bad?
Yes! Even sesame seeds go bad but not as fast as other products or goods. Usually, these seeds last for at least 1 year up to 4 years when properly stored. However, when we talk about those sesame seeds that are packaged commercially by supermarkets and big manufacturers, they will not get spoiled. The only downside of unused sesame seeds in supermarkets is that they lose potency and the flavors they add to the dishes.
When you buy sesame seeds that are prepacked, there is a date on the packaging. It does not mean that it will expire that day but means that you can use the seeds in their best quality on that date.
How Do Sesame Seeds Go bad
So, what exactly happens when you leave sesame seeds out? Here’s what happens:
1) The oil inside starts to oxidize. Oxidation is the process of turning something from its original state into something else, and typically they lose their goodness.
2) When the oil oxidizes, it becomes rancid. Rancidity is the process of breaking down fats into smaller molecules. This causes the oils to become toxic.
3) As the oil oxidizes, the proteins start to break down. Proteins are long chains of amino acids. Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins.
4) The proteins begin to clump together. Clumping is the process of forming large groups of particles.
5) The proteins eventually turn into a sticky substance called tannins. Tannins are bitter compounds that cause the oil to smell bad.
If you keep sesame seeds in the refrigerator, then you will not have any problems for a long time. However, if you leave them out, then you will need to throw them away much quicker.
How Do You Know if Sesame Seeds Are Bad?
Once sesame seeds go bad after not using them on your dishes or beverages, you will notice a big difference. When you roast these seeds that have gone bad, you will be bugged by the sour or rancid smell that they will produce.
Sesame seeds that are still potent, when toasted, release a very nutty aroma that you will love. The smell is only mild but you will still appreciate how it adds to the overall personality of the dish. And when you roast sesame seeds before the end of the suggested best quality date, the nutty aroma will become stronger and the food you are cooking will be more appetizing.
Can You Eat Sesame Seeds Out of Date?
I tend not to eat out of date foods, while you can most likely eat sesame seeds, if they are off they could spoil your recipe. So it is better to get rid of them.
Furthermore, as mentioned above, the potency and the fantastic flavors that sesame seeds add to your dishes will not be the best. In this case, they are merely for decorations than flavoring. The dates that are printed outside the packaging of sesame seeds found in the supermarket are suggestions for consumption.
When sesame seeds become rancid or sour, eating them will not typically give you food poisoning or will make you nauseous. The main issue that it will give you is about your digestion. So you better use the sesame seeds you have in the pantry before they go out of date.
How Do You Know When Sesame Seeds Are Hulled?
It’s quite simple. You will notice that the coverings outside the seeds are removed. You can compare it to manufacturers packing rice and other grains. Various kinds are depending on how they want the seeds to come out.
How Long Do Sesame Seeds Last?
Raw sesame seeds usually keep well for up to 3 years; however, they may go rancid after one year if not stored correctly. Roasted sesame seeds typically stay fresh for at least six months but can be kept longer by storing them in the fridge. Storing them in the freezer roasted sesame seeds will last for at least a year.